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U.S. National Parks seminar — MLS 501 — Spring 2011 - Seminar in Liberal Studies

geyser

"I have no doubt that if this part of the country (Yellowstone) should ever be settled and careful observation made, it will be found that earthquake shocks are a very common occurrence." Geologist Ferdinand V. Hayden, 1871

MLS 501 — U.S. National Parks—Interdisciplinary Study. This interdisciplinary course introduces students to U.S. National Park geology, provides a national history context, and highlights topographic features, plants and animals. Students will gain an appreciation of our nation’s national parks including geologic and historic origin,
natural history and topographic features.

The course combines lecture-discussion with Internet resources. Virtual park visits by web cam and Internet, different map types and other resources supplement lecture discussion. Geology provides a natural environment focus for selected national parks.

Students will plan a one week trip to U.S. National Parks located outside North Carolina, and make an illustrated oral class presentation accompanied by a brief written summary. Active class participation is expected. There will be short quizzes or reports.

Contents

Course identification

  • Course name: U.S. National Parks - MLS Seminar in Liberal Studies
  • Section 002-LEC(25955)
  • Session: Spring semester, 2010
  • Class days and time: Wednesday from 6:00pm to 8:45pm
  • Class meeting place: 00111 1911 Building
  • Department: NCSU - CHASS
  • Textbook: No formal textbook -- Course uses Internet resources
  • Suggested books and resource materials are commonly available used at considerable savings through commercial vendors. Examples will be mentioned in class.

Instructor and contact information

  • Jeffrey C. Reid, PhD, PG, CPG
  • Telephone: 919.618.0810 (cell), 846.5230 (home) until 9:00pm -- alt. in emergency 919.733.2423 x403 (w)
  • E-mail: jreid@ncsu.edu -- Student e-mail submittals must have the e-mail subject line in the following format: 'MLS 501- Last name, plus topic or question.'
  • Office hours: by arrangement, or after class as needed

Philosophy

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

— Benjamin Franklin

Course syllabus

Term Project - You will be required to complete a small research project on a National Park or Monument (or several closely clusters them) in the United States. The goal of the project is to plan a trip to one of our national parks, describe the history of the national park and summarize the main geologic features, plants and animals, and history features that you will see there. Expectations are a written report, and an oral report to the class using a MS Power Point presentation with embedded web links as needed. Details will follow later in the semester.

January 12 (Week 1)

January 19 (Week 2)

January 26 (Week 3)

February 2 (Week 4)

February 9 (Week 5)

February 16 (Week 6)

February 23 (Week 7)

March 2 (Week 8)

  • Mid-term

March 9 (Week 9)

  • Spring break (no class)

March 16 (Week 10)

March 23 (Week 11)

March 30 (Week 12)

Niagara Falls National Heritage Area

Geology of Niagara Falls

Burning spring at Niagara Falls

Sam Patch jumps into the Falls

Blondin crosses the Falls pushing a wheelbarrow

  • Assignment for next class meeting

April 6 (Week 13)

  • Focus on selected National Parks - TBA - Reid

April 13 (Week 14)

April 20 (Week 15)

April 27 (Week 16)

  • Dead week - no class

Final exam - Scheduled during May 4-12. Time/date TBD

Links and additional resources

Policies and grading

  • Grading
    • Class participation — 10%
    • Assignments — 15%
    • Written report — 20%
    • Oral presentation — 20%
    • Mid-term — 15%
    • Final exam — 20%
  • Attendance — Because of the short duration of the course and the diverse topics to be touched on in this seminar class, regular attendance is strongly encouraged.
  • Assignments — Assignments are due at the beginning of the indicated class period. Written assignments are expected to be double spaced (or 1.5 spacing), single sided on standard white 8.5 x 11 inch paper - electronic submittals (MS Word only) are strongly encouraged. Number each page beginning with page one. Click here for the form to use for all submittals. Your name and date must appear on each page along with your report title. Papers not in this format will receive a zero grade. Let me know if you do not have access to MS Word.
  • Grading will consider proper grammar, spelling and punctuation — as well as content (detail, logic, supporting evidence, and reasonable conclusions). Provide full citations, including Internet links and date viewed as needed.
  • The NCSU academic honor code is expected to be adhered to. The link for the honor code is: http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/student_services/student _discipline/POL11.35.1.php
  • Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/offices/affirm_action/dss/ For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.1.php
  • End of semester class evaluation is here.
 

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